Exploring Economics: The Rise of Mercantilism
In this 4-week course, we explore the shift from local trade guilds to powerful mercantile states, focusing on how city governments, trade unions, and monarchs shaped early global trade and capitalism.
Jacob K
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(247)
What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Students will be given assignments to be completed outside of class to help them retain what they learned in class, and also to help them to develop their critical thinking and writing abilities.Assessment
Students will complete a fun, interactive Kahoot assessment that measures their mastery of the material. Students will also get written feedback on their Short Answer Responses (SAQ) to help them develop their writing abilities.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
How did medieval economies transform into powerful global trade networks? This four-week course examines the rise of markets and mercantilism, exploring how city governments, trade unions, and absolute monarchs shaped economic policies to expand wealth and power. Students will analyze the role of craft guilds, taxation, tariffs, and early global trade, leading to the emergence of capitalism. Through this historical lens, we’ll uncover how economic policies influenced social structures, consumer markets, and competition among European states. Designed for high school students, this course is also suitable for advanced middle school students interested in historical economics. Course Structure: Each week, students will engage in interactive lessons designed to bring these historical concepts to life: Week 1: PowerPoint Lecture on the rise of medieval trade guilds, local markets, and the economic power of city governments. Week 2: Flipped Classroom discussion on the expansion of trade unions, the Hanseatic League, and their impact on European economies. Week 3: Exploration of mercantilism and its effects on trade, taxation, and global competition, followed by hands-on Short Answer Question (SAQ) practice. Week 4: Interactive Kahoot quiz to reinforce key ideas, followed by a discussion on how these early economic policies shaped the modern world. By the end of this course, students will understand the economic forces that shaped Europe’s transition from local trade to global commerce and develop the skills to analyze historical economic systems critically.
Learning Goals
Explain the role of trade guilds and city governments in shaping medieval economies, including how they controlled production, pricing, and labor.Analyze the impact of trade unions, such as the Hanseatic League, on regional and international commerce.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction and Notes
PowerPoint Lecture on the rise of medieval trade guilds, local markets, and the economic power of city governments 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Interactive Discussion and Writing Practice
Flipped Classroom discussion on the expansion of trade unions, the Hanseatic League, and their impact on European economies. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Interactive Activity and Writing Practice
Exploration of mercantilism and its effects on trade, taxation, and global competition, followed by hands-on Short Answer Question (SAQ) practice. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Kahoot Assessment
Interactive Kahoot quiz to reinforce key ideas, followed by a discussion on how these early economic policies shaped the modern world. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class does not contain any content that should be upsetting or scary for learners. We will be using Kahoot as an interactive tool for assessments, which requires no account creation for students. Kahoot is a fun and engaging way to review material, and it is safe for all learners. Youtube may also be utilized to assist students in completing their outside homework assignments. Assignments and class materials will be digital in the form of Google Docs. No other third-party tools or media content with specific safety considerations will be used in this class.
Pre-Requisites
This course requires no prior knowledge and is open to high school and advanced middle school students. Taking Exploring Economics: The Origins of Trade is helpful but not required.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Council for Economic Education. (1997). High School Economics (3rd ed.).
Clayton, G. E., McTighe, J., & Mcgraw-Hill Education (Firm. (2018). Understanding Economics. Mcgraw-Hill Education.
Overy, R. (2009). The Times History of the World. Harper Collins UK.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Bachelor's Degree in Education from The University of Akron
I have seven years of teaching experience, including two years of teaching economics to 12th-grade students. Throughout my career, I have taught a variety of history and social studies courses at the high school level, as well as online courses for middle and high school students. My experience in teaching economics has given me a strong foundation in breaking down complex economic principles and making them accessible to students of different learning levels.
In both in-person and online settings, I emphasize critical thinking and real-world connections to help students understand the historical development of economic systems. My teaching style is interactive and engaging, incorporating activities like discussions, simulations, and assessments to reinforce key concepts. With a decade of experience working with adolescents, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity and intellectual growth.Reviews
Live Group Course
$19
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-10 learners per class
